Modern throwback.

This is the XSR900. And yes, you’re right - it’s the charismatic three-cylinder MT-09 wearing it’s dad’s flares and floppy-collared shirt. Chassis and engine are MT-09, with the 2016 updates of a slipper-assist light-action clutch and three-level traction control. For the XSR the MT’s contemporary styling is swapped for round lights, aluminium bodywork and round instruments. ‘To reflect Yamaha’s sporty DNA, its history and its iconic motorcycles of the past,’ they say. Hmm. Don’t know about all that, but the 900 pulls it off. You could predict the XSR. After retrofying the MT-07 into the XSR700 (see last issue) this larger ‘Faster Sons’ variant was a given, especially after Yamaha’s video of the ‘Faster Wasp’ MT-09 flattracker by US custom bloke Roland Sands. Let’s hope the trim on the front of his tank makes the accessory list, to give the same flat-tank profile. In other MT-related news, there’s now an MT-03. Basically a naked YZF-R3 sportsbike for A2 licence holders, with funky digi dash, LED lights and crisp lines, it’s not quite a modern LC... but looks good.

Ford to invest Ј3 billion in electRification.

Ford will add 13 new electrified vehicles to its model range between now and 2020, with more than 40 per cent of the company’s nameplates featuring an Electric model. The first results of this Ј3 billion project will be a new Focus Electric car that will be capable of travelling 100 miles on a single charge. The investment will see electrified vehicle research and development centres in Europe and Asia expand, with what Ford calls a ‘hub and spoke’ system that will allow the global team to accelerate battery technology development and exploit opportunities in key markets.

Bimota invent the techtro….

Hands up-wedidn’t expect this. But givenBimotahavebased their newretro on theirmost contemporary, exclusive model we don’t think anyone did. TheirwildTesi 3D (Bike, Aug 2015 issue) is an engineeringmasterclass.Hub centre steering and a front swingarm separate suspension, steering and braking forces - so suspension functionswhile braking, bumps don’t affect steering, and so on. It’s amodernvisionof hewnaluminiumand hand-finishedparts. And soBimota think thismakes it perfect for some retroaction. For theRaceCafe the 3D’s angular body is swapped for a traditional profile and tiny seat unitwith the essential brown perch, and there’s the same headlight as onAriel’sAce. The 1078ccDucati V twin is swapped for the803cc Scrambler unit, with a curvy new pipe. Swingarms are un retro carbon. Stare long enough and, fromsome angles, the RaceCafe almost works… but not quite. For us, a Tesi should be all about sharp, cutting edge design. Other Bimotanews ismorepleasing. The newImpeto uses the Diavel’s bulging 1198ccTestastretta engine, anoptional blower taking peak power past 200bhp. Youcan specify a carbon frame, too. Best of all, Bimota are going back to their roots andoffering frame kits. Their BB3 canbe supplied as a rolling chassis to take the motor from a salvaged BMW S1000RR. Just like the good old days. Let’s hope the kit option extends to more models - we’d love to build our own Tesi (no brown seat).